Do I need a router with Mac and these firewall settings?

chscag

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So if I'm using Mac, this security patch would not be installed into my modem? Does it really matter what is attached to the modem? I was under impression ISP would just shove new upgraded firmware into modem through their connection and that's that?

No, in the case you cited above, that should be an over the air firmware update to the modem since it involves a security vulnerability in the ISP's system. It just so happens that their customer supported gear is provided by Cisco. Security patches are provided by means of a firmware update which are applicable to the hardware. That means it doesn't matter whether you're on a Mac, PC, or Linux box, as the hardware interfaces only. You should be OK.

The support I was referring to above in my post would be concerning connection problems and trying to resolve them with your ISP. As stated, most ISPs are not trained in Mac support.
 
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No, in the case you cited above, that should be an over the air firmware update to the modem since it involves a security vulnerability in the ISP's system. It just so happens that their customer supported gear is provided by Cisco. Security patches are provided by means of a firmware update which are applicable to the hardware. That means it doesn't matter whether you're on a Mac, PC, or Linux box, as the hardware interfaces only. You should be OK.

The support I was referring to above in my post would be concerning connection problems and trying to resolve them with your ISP. As stated, most ISPs are not trained in Mac support.

Thank you and sorry! I'm worrywart with flu remains so I get a bit over excitable. :D

Are there many issues when modem/router from ISP and user's Mac do not mesh well?
 

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Are there many issues when modem/router from ISP and user's Mac do not mesh well?

No, not really. Keep in mind that a modem and router are hardware devices designed to work with various types of networks (internet). The operating system comes into play when the connection is not working right and you then ask for support from your ISP. Unless the ISP support person understands Macs and OS X, he/she will try to give you instructions based on Windows. And when you tell them you're on a Mac, they will then probably blame the problem on your Mac. I've been there and done that many times. ;)
 
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No, not really. Keep in mind that a modem and router are hardware devices designed to work with various types of networks (internet). The operating system comes into play when the connection is not working right and you then ask for support from your ISP. Unless the ISP support person understands Macs and OS X, he/she will try to give you instructions based on Windows. And when you tell them you're on a Mac, they will then probably blame the problem on your Mac. I've been there and done that many times. ;)

So it's likely better to not mention Mac as long as possible or else ISP guys get lazy and blame it all on that.. but if you don't mention it, they keep giving Windows advice. :D

Again, thank you for giving advice regarding that modem security issue. For years I saw modem as infallible box that can't be security compromised and suddenly I hear it can have vulnerabilities. :D But ISPs should know about such issues and fix them when they come themselves and I shouldn't worry about things out of my hands? :D
 

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But ISPs should know about such issues and fix them when they come themselves and I shouldn't worry about things out of my hands?

Truthfully, ISPs are not about to spend time and money if they can get away with it. In your case, it involves a security issue which they know can get them into trouble if they don't fix it. Let them worry about it at that level as long as they keep providing secure access for you and their other subscribers.
 
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Truthfully, ISPs are not about to spend time and money if they can get away with it. In your case, it involves a security issue which they know can get them into trouble if they don't fix it. Let them worry about it at that level as long as they keep providing secure access for you and their other subscribers.

They have to move because Cisco released it publicly and it someone notices, it could be embarrassing if it comes out? I went to check those modem settings in the ip address it seems to give access to http://192.168.100.1/ , but those numbers and words tell me nothing and one tab demands password I rather not even try. So yeah, better not touch this thing any longer. :D Thank you!
 
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So yeah, better not touch this thing any longer. Thank you!

There's a very good chance that your modem that you rent from your ISP has been updated as needed but probably done so remotely and in the wee small hours of the morning when you were sound asleep and probably done so quite a while ago.

You could always give them a call if you want to really check.






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They have to move because Cisco released it publicly and it someone notices, it could be embarrassing if it comes out? I went to check those modem settings in the ip address it seems to give access to http://192.168.100.1/ , but those numbers and words tell me nothing and one tab demands password I rather not even try. So yeah, better not touch this thing any longer. :D Thank you!

Hi Gramek - I've been out of the loop for a page or so, but you are delving into issues that I'm not sure you really know - true? ;)

If you understand IP addressing, e.g. IPv4, then IP addresses may be assigned to a number of locales, especially public vs. private - now there are three reserved for private IP addressing as shown in the chart below (Source) - many router producers use the 192.168.x.x range for their use, i.e. for communicating w/ their configuration program on your computer - that is the type of URL you left above - for myself, it brought me to my Arris modem but provided no 'dangerous' information - for others, it might enter their router's configuration app - NOW, one of the other ranges is 10.x.x.x which is used by Apple routers, such as the one I own (an AirPort Extreme) - my suggestion to you is not to post URLs that you don't understand - other non-suspecting members may click on one that is potentially malicious - just saying. Dave :)
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my suggestion to you is not to post URLs that you don't understand - other non-suspecting members may click on one that is potentially malicious - just saying. Dave


Aggghhh and huuugh??? Dave, the sky is falling, run and protect yourself and others.


Now that you're hiding in your protective cave, I think it should be pointed out that those same access URLs must be listed and posted in thousands of different webpages and help forums.

Just saying before some go off with incorrect info and get led to believe something that isn't true.

My God, some will be advocating building yet another wall to protect all of us Internet connected Mac users. ;) :D






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Aggghhh and huuugh??? Dave, the sky is falling, run and protect yourself and others.


Now that you're hiding in your protective cave, I think it should be pointed out that those same access URLs must be listed and posted in thousands of different webpages and help forums.

Just saying before some go off with incorrect info and get led to believe something that isn't true.

My God, some will be advocating building yet another wall to protect all of us Internet connected Mac users. ;) :D

NOW Patrick - LOL! :) My main point is that a poster putting up URLS and/or links should understand and be aware of what is being offered to the 'public' - you obviously know the rationale, but others less knowlegdeable may not? Dave :)
 
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There's a very good chance that your modem that you rent from your ISP has been updated as needed but probably done so remotely and in the wee small hours of the morning when you were sound asleep and probably done so quite a while ago.

You could always give them a call if you want to really check.

Thank you for all the help! :D


Hi Gramek - I've been out of the loop for a page or so, but you are delving into issues that I'm not sure you really know - true? ;)

If you understand IP addressing, e.g. IPv4, then IP addresses may be assigned to a number of locales, especially public vs. private - now there are three reserved for private IP addressing as shown in the chart below (Source) - many router producers use the 192.168.x.x range for their use, i.e. for communicating w/ their configuration program on your computer - that is the type of URL you left above - for myself, it brought me to my Arris modem but provided no 'dangerous' information - for others, it might enter their router's configuration app - NOW, one of the other ranges is 10.x.x.x which is used by Apple routers, such as the one I own (an AirPort Extreme) - my suggestion to you is not to post URLs that you don't understand - other non-suspecting members may click on one that is potentially malicious - just saying. Dave :)
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Sorry! I found it in manual for router display page and it was public website, had no idea that could be dangerous! :D
How could it be then? I'd like an explanation because I am amateur. :) Would such modem IP address open something else for another user? Like porn website?

Would opening modem page like that be damaging to modem/computer? Would just viewing your modem data page be dangerous to something? As I found it in public forum, it can't possibly be used to hack into or something?

(You opened a can of worms, Dave! Now I need to know! :D )
 
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Sorry! I found it in manual for router display page and it was public website, had no idea that could be dangerous! :D
How could it be then? I'd like an explanation because I am amateur. :) Would such modem IP address open something else for another user? Like porn website?

Would opening modem page like that be damaging to modem/computer? Would just viewing your modem data page be dangerous to something? As I found it in public forum, it can't possibly be used to hack into or something?

(You opened a can of worms, Dave! Now I need to know! :D )

Hi Gramek - LOL! :) I'm not the one w/ the can opener? ;) Plus, Patrick has already 'poo-poo' my even mentioning the issue. To understand those private network URL numbers, simply read the link given in my previous post - nothing secretive or magical. For many years, I used Linksys routers and their URL to enter the 'configuration/setup app' via a browser was 192.168.1.1 - see HERE - the only potential danger is for a router user to enter their device's setup program w/o knowing or understanding its purpose and make changes that could change the behavior of the router. SO, not to worry and not that important to be a 'big deal' - Dave :)
 
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(You opened a can of worms, Dave! Now I need to know! )

O.K., so i'm not Dave, but maybe this bit of info may help understand the modem ID.

And don't miss of skip this part:
Why Your Home Router is 192.168.1.1
"Every website, router, and computer has an IP address. It is how computers uniquely identify themselves on a network or on the Internet. Typically, in a home network, your router assigns one to your computer. How does it make sure the IP address on your home computer is not the same as one on the Internet? There actually is a list of numbers that is reserved for private use (home, office, corporate, etc.). They are never used for a public website. While the details of how IP numbers are used is intricate, the ranges of reserved numbers are straight forward: …"

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/04/29/why-your-home-router-is-192-168-1-1/






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And don't miss of skip this part:
Why Your Home Router is 192.168.1.1
"Every website, router, and computer has an IP address...........the ranges of reserved numbers are straight forward: …"

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/04/29/why-your-home-router-is-192-168-1-1/

Hi Patrick - nice link - I provided one also on the previous page along w/ a chart showing the IP address ranges of the 3 'private' offerings (i.e. IPv4) - we've been concentrating on the 192.168.x.x range, but for many of us using Apple routers, such as myself, the 10.x.x.x range is used - as an example, I just scanned my home network w/ an app on my iPad - 13 devices were detected (have a few others that are not on), all w/ a 10.x.x.x IP number assigned; of course, my router (AirPort Extreme) gets the usual gateway number, i.e. 10.0.1.1 - the attached pic shows the router IP assignments - I've blanked out my network's name - amazing how many electronics, printers, etc. received a number - do not have any appliances/electrical/etc. which are Wi-Fi compatible, but may in the future? So, just some added information for those who have an Apple router and may not be familiar w/ their home network IP addressing - Dave :)
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